Looking for an honest OpenAI GPT-3.5 Turbo vs OpenAI o4-mini comparison in 2026? We scored both ai language models on the same six-dimension framework — performance, battery, display, camera, design and value — using identical methodology, so the numbers below are directly comparable. In our overall scoring the OpenAI o4-mini comes out ahead 41/100 to 71/100 — a 30-point gap. The widest gap is in display, where the OpenAI GPT-3.5 Turbo pulls noticeably ahead.
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OpenAI o4-mini clearly outperforms the OpenAI GPT-3.5 Turbo in the ai language models category, especially in design, scoring 71 vs 41. If you want the better overall ai language models, OpenAI o4-mini is the recommended choice.
Scores are relative within the ai language modelscategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
Lower cost = better value. Free = open-source self-hosted.
| Metric | GPT-3.5 Turbo | OpenAI o4-mini |
|---|---|---|
| Input (Prompt) | ✓$0.50/1M | $1.10/1M |
| Output (Completion) | ✓$1.50/1M | $4.40/1M |
| Open Source | Proprietary | Proprietary |
Context Window (tokens)
| Metric | GPT-3.5 Turbo | OpenAI o4-mini |
|---|---|---|
| Max Output | 4,096 tok | ✓100,000 tok |
| Speed | ✓400 tok/s | 100 tok/s |
| Time to First Token | ✓100ms | 2.0s |
| Languages | 50+ | 50+ |
Higher is better. Industry-standard AI evaluation benchmarks.
GPT-3.5 Turbo
OpenAI o4-mini
GPT-3.5 Turbo
OpenAI o4-mini
GPT-3.5 Turbo
OpenAI o4-mini
GPT-3.5 Turbo
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GPT-3.5 Turbo
OpenAI o4-mini
| Feature | GPT-3.5 Turbo | OpenAI o4-mini |
|---|---|---|
| Reasoning / Chain-of-Thought | ✕ | ✓ |
| Vision (Image Input) | ✕ | ✓ |
| Audio Input | ✕ | ✕ |
| Video Input | ✕ | ✕ |
| Image/Audio Output | ✕ | ✕ |
| Function Calling / Tools | ✓ | ✓ |
| JSON Mode | ✓ | ✓ |
| Real-time Web Access | ✕ | ✕ |
| Fine-tuning Support | ✓ | ✕ |
| Batch API | ✓ | ✓ |
| Streaming | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open Source | ✕ | ✕ |
| Field | GPT-3.5 Turbo | OpenAI o4-mini |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | OpenAI | OpenAI |
| Knowledge Cutoff | 2021-09 | 2025-01 |
| Best For | legacysimple taskshigh volumecost efficiency | reasoningcodingmathvisioncost efficiency |
Buy OpenAI GPT-3.5 Turbo if…
The OpenAI GPT-3.5 Turbo is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Buy OpenAI o4-mini if…
Buy the OpenAI o4-mini if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
OpenAI o4-mini clearly outperforms the OpenAI GPT-3.5 Turbo in the ai language models category, especially in design, scoring 71 vs 41. If you want the better overall ai language models, OpenAI o4-mini is the recommended choice.
No, OpenAI o4-mini scores higher (75 vs 75).
Check the latest prices using the buy links above.
The OpenAI GPT-3.5 Turbo is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Buy the OpenAI o4-mini if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Reviewed by VersusMatrix Editorial Team
Last updated: April 28, 2026
Methodology: AI-powered analysis of technical specifications from manufacturer data. Scores are calculated by comparing products across multiple dimensions and normalized relative to the full category database. Our editorial process is independent and not influenced by affiliate partnerships.